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William D. Dolan III

1943 - 2024

William D. Dolan III obituary, 1943-2024, Arlington, VA

BORN

1943

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home

9902 Braddock Road

Fairfax, Virginia

William Dolan Obituary

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Virginia trial attorney William David Dolan, III passed away in Arlington, VA after a brief illness.
Bill was born on November 20, 1943 in Washington, DC, the son of Dr. William D. Dolan, Jr. and Christine Shea Dolan. He graduated from Marquette University and The Catholic University School of Law in 1972, and began the private practice of law, which he continued until the time of his passing.
He is survived by two children with his former wife, Josephine E. Dolan—his daughter, Kathleen and his son, Tom (Maryellen); and four grandchildren—Hannah, Nora, Fitzgerald, and Connor. In addition, his sister, Mary Anne and brother, John (Carol), and nephew Jack. Until his death, he lived happily in Falls Church with his loving partner Jean Statler, who was his golf mate and constant travel companion for many years.
Bill was devoted to his faith, his community, and his work. But his deepest daily commitment was to his family. For his children, he was a mentor and best friend. For his grandchildren, the ever-present "Pop." For all, he was a constant source of laughter.
Bill was a giant in the legal community and his impact on the legal profession was both immediate and long-lasting. He was often referred to as "the lawyer's lawyer." He defended law firms and lawyers, while leading the way to higher standards and promoting continuing education. Bill's trailblazing contributions to the legal profession, and his complete commitment to public service, included serving as President of the Virginia State Bar, establishing the "Lawyers Helping Lawyers Program," the standing Committee on Women and Minorities in the legal system, the Virginia State Bar's mandatory Professionalism Course for new Virginia lawyers, and the Virginia mandatory Continuing Legal Education system. Bill was also a member of the Advisory Committee on the Rules of the Court of the Virginia Supreme Court.
As one fellow Burning Tree Club member observed upon Bill's passing: "Best trial lawyer in the world; judges revered him; juries believed him. A one of a kind."
Judge Barbara Keenan, Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit said in summary: "Because of what he did for women and minorities, as far as I'm concerned, he was the most impactful lawyer in Virginia in my lifetime."
Most proudly, Bill was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers—his long membership in that esteemed group speaks to the respect he earned for both his legal skills and his numerous selfless contributions to the profession.
Bill Dolan's devotion to public service was legendary. He proudly served as a member and Chairman of the Virginia State Board of Community Colleges, the Arlington Community Foundation, the Arlington County Consumer Protection Commission, and the Governor's Commission on the University of the 21st Century. He was a member of the the Arlington County Emergency Medical Services Council, a Director of Arlington Hospital (now Virginia Hospital Center), and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Bill was twice the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General and served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy.
Perhaps the most immediate and long-lasting impact of Bill Dolan's many endeavors, was through the example he set every day. He conducted himself with total professionalism, unwavering civility, and tenacious representation of his clients. Along his journey, he functioned with humility, grace, and a commitment to treating all persons with respect. Always with kindness and a twinkle in his eye.
Family and friends of the family are invited for visitation on Sunday, June 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home in Fairfax, VA. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 10 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bill Dolan Community Fund at the Arlington Community Foundation (https://bit.ly/billdolan) or Marymount University's Malek School of Nursing Professions.
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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dolan

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Danny Mearns

May 29, 2025

I am very, very sorry to hear about John and Bill. I knew John quite well.

Dan Mearns

May 11, 2025

I would like to share my memories of John. He was a good friend, going back to 1980. I had some contact with Bill as well, and had some fun with their sister back in Ithaca.

The Stay Family

June 14, 2024

From the Stay family: At this time of loss, our heartfelt condolences and prayers are sent to the Dolan family, especially to John, Tom, and Kathleen. Bill was a friend, caring father, and always had a twinkle in his eye. May he rest in peace.

Kelley Coyner

June 11, 2024

Kathleen and Tom,

I don’t remember when I met Bill the first time; it was most certainly through John Milliken in 1983. Maybe it was in a meeting to puzzle through a campaign or maybe it was to talk about where to go to law school. What is most memorable is the mentoring and championing that Bill gave me in the first decade of my career in law and public service. He set the bar and he opened doors for me, especially in using my legal skills to defend kids and protect the vote.

I always carry with me one specific conversation. When I was a few years into legal practice, I sought Bill out for some career advice. I was a bit off track in what I thought was important. Bill “laid down the law” on faith ,families, and public service and delivered his advice with a smile and some colorful language. That conversation continues to be a touchstone.

He helped make strong women in our profession stronger. He set an example in striving, smiling, and praying.


What a moving, musical, and comforting tribute you led for your Dad yesterday.

Barbara Milano Keenan

June 10, 2024

Kathleen and Tom,
You both gave a wonderful tribute to your dad today. He was always so proud when he talked about both of you. Your tributes made clear that you learned well from the example he set as a dad. He was such a kind and thoughtful person, generous and always interested in helping those around him. His commitment to excellence also was extraordinary. Please know that the legal community will always remember him with gratitude and admiration for all he accomplished.

Jenn Owens

June 10, 2024

I always felt like I was in a master class when I was in Bill Dolan´s presence, as a friend, a neighbor and board member of Arlington Community Foundation. And it was the best kind of class, taught by the teacher everybody wanted to learn from, because you were in a nurturing environment where mistakes were encouraged and branded as learning opportunities. Acting boldly and being audacious in our goal setting was met with enthusiasm and praise for being convicted enough to set our sights on catching the brass ring. And the best part: you didn´t have to catch that ring for Bill to find the measures of success in being able to say we tried to do what was right and just - and that history would be on our side, even if the outcome wasn´t.

He was the most unassuming lion I´ve ever met. He was gracious, whip smart, quick witted, and when he said something it was always worth listening to. His sense of right and wrong was very consistent with others of his generation, but the similarities ended there. He measured his sense of right and wrong against a higher bar and a different scale than many others who had a similar number of miles under his feet. His awareness of privilege and attention to the principles of true equity were evolved, and he wasn´t quiet about them. He was immune to the social pressure to skirt around the big issues, and was bold in his willingness to stand up for what was right no matter the consequences.

I didn´t know Bill as long as many, and I have a feeling everyone felt that they knew Bill´s heart because he was so free and open with his advice and friendship. Though it wasn´t a unique experience to have benefitted from Bill´s time, talent and treasure, I can say that it has changed me and the Arlington Community Foundation forever and for the better to have had him on our side.

Fighting the good fight was natural and important to Bill, and his example will continue to inspire us. We will miss him forever, but will try to carry forward his spirit and honor his legacy in every next step that we take on behalf of this community that Bill poured his heart and soul into. He left it all on the field, and we need to do the same in his honor.

Rest in peace, Bill, and deepest condolences to the family.

Michael Rieger

June 7, 2024

I first met Bill in the mid-1970s when I was a brand new lawyer. He was one of my first mentors, and his help and advice was invaluable to a scared new lawyer.
I would watch him in Court, and he was magnificent. The way he spoke to judges and juries was the best I've ever heard. I envied that . As it was said he was a lawyer's lawyer, but he was also a friend to so many.
Although I'm retired and I have not seen him in many years, to hear of his passing touched my heart.
My condolences to all of his many friends and family.

John Brandt

June 7, 2024

I was privileged to know Bill over many years as a fellow trial lawyer. He was an outstanding attorney; and even a better person, who will be missed by all. His last, and most important victory, is a triumph over death as he enjoys Eternal Life. RIP

Chip Stanback

June 6, 2024

I am so, so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was a gentleman, a scholar, and a lawyer's lawyer; truly one of a kind. I am forever grateful for his kindness and impact on me when I started to practice law in Arlington and for his encouragement over time. His was a life well lived. Bill was a great man!

Peace and comfort to his family.

Stephanie Hamlett

June 6, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I worked for Dolan, Treanor and Murray when I graduated from college. Bill was such a lovely person. I left to go to law school...inspired by Bill and the other lawyers. I know Bill will be greatly missed.

Janice Joudrey

June 5, 2024

Our deepest condolences to you Maryanne , Jean , Tom ,Kathleen , and all the family . Bill was such a gentle soul , didn´t know him well , but he made you feel as though you were the most important person he was speaking with at the time , giving you all of his attention. He always had a smile and yes that twinkle in his eye. Hugs to all of you , the littles also. Your in our prayers Walter and Janice.

Gerald Bruce Lee

June 4, 2024

My heart goes out to the Dolan family, Jean, and a legion of folks Bill touched.

Gerald Bruce Lee, US DJ EDVA (ret.)

June 4, 2024

" A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. " Jackie Robinson

Bill Dolan has impacted a generation of lawyers and transformed Virginia lawyers. He was a trailblazer and a consummate lawyer´s lawyer.

He was my mentor and friend. Bill Dolan was my lawyer/mentor and advocate who helped me become a Fairfax Circuit and US District Judge. He and I were battle-tested pals and partners in the bar association and community. Together, we opened doors and windows of opportunities for diverse law students to enter law firms and government law offices in the 1980´s. Today, four of the Virginia Lawyers Study Group mentees are judges.

As President of the Virginia State Bar, he began initiatives that integrated bar activity, ushered in continuing legal education, and helped create a mandatory professionalism course that elevated Virginia law practice.

Bill unselfishly helped identify, vet, train, and mentor a legion of lawyers and judges.

He was not a saint. We loved his Irish wit. He could make you laugh. He would tell a self-effacing joke or story and own the audience.

He has argued his last case and is now before The Judge we will all face in eternity. I, for one, believe he will win his case, and the verdict will be glory. Glory.

Gerald Bruce Lee, US District Judge, EDVA (ret)

Joe Condo

June 4, 2024

I have a vivid memory from my first year at CU Law School, before we´d met, seeing him standing in the lobby chatting with a fellow student - tall, handsome, brilliant smile, booming voice, great laugh. No mistaking, just from that brief glimpse, this was a special man. And so he was. He leaves a matchless legacy of countless lives touched and a world bettered for his time here. No one like him. Condolences to Jean and Bill´s family. He will never be forgotten.

Charlie and Gayle Nardiello

June 4, 2024

Our deepest condolences. What a great man Bill was to his friends.

Dick Deerin

June 4, 2024

I first met Bill Dolan in 1957 when his great friend, Gerry Treanor, introduced him as an outstanding baseball player and classmate at Priory High School (Gerry always exaggerated). One thing the obit overlooked is that Bill was a skilled and avid sailor. He and I captained an old CAL 28 out of Annapolis. Absent the occasional wrapped spinnaker, we considered ourselves racing skippers. Our yacht was appropriately named the "Irish Wake". RIP my friend, and say hello to our friends Gerry and Eddie Curran.

Marilyn Davis Coolidge

June 4, 2024

Mary Anne and Dolan family, so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. What a rich life he enjoyed. Thoughts are with you Mary Anne from your Visi friend, Marilyn

Bruce L. Marcus

June 4, 2024

Jean, Tom and Kathleen,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bill was a great friend and mentor to so many of us. Like all of his fan club, I treasured every opportunity to spend time with him. I hope you find comfort in knowing how very important all of you were to him and how truly loved he was by scores and scores of friends and admirers. He will live long in the hearts and minds of those who mourn his passing. Bruce L. Marcus

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Memorial Events
for William Dolan

Jun

9

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home

9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032

Jun

10

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Ann Catholic Church

Arlington, VA

Funeral services provided by:

Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home

9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032

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